Marking device for road surfaces



Dec. 17, 1940. E, L G51-Hm EI-AL 2,225,496

MARKING DEVICE yFOR ROAD SURFACES Filed Oct. 51, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet l 4a A l was Dec 17, 19441 E. L. GETHIN ETAL 2,225,496

l .MARKING DEVICE FOR ROAD SURFACE-S Filed OCC. 3l, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Dec. 17, E, GETHIN ETAL 2,225,496

MARKING DEVICE FOR ROAD SURFACES Filed oct. 31, 1938 5 sheets-sheet s Patented Dec. 17, 1940 PATENT OFFICE MARKING DEVICEFOR ROAD sURFAoEs Ernest Lewis Gethin, Morden, and George Douglas Worthington,-New Malden, England Application October 31, 1938, Serial No. 237,874

` YIn Great Britain March 15, 1937 s claims. (01. alie-1.5)

u This invention relates to methods of and means for surfacing road and. like prepared surfaces and'is` more particularly concerned with methods of and means for marking such surfaces as re- ;5 quired for instance in connection4 with the demarcation of trafc lanes, signal stop lines,

pedestrian crossings and boundary lines on roadways and the boundary and other lines of the playing courts employed in tennis, fives and other games.

One object of the invention is toprovide an improved and simplified form of markingl device' which is both cheap and"easy to install and is durable. I i

" `Another object of the invention is to provide la method of producing distinctive markings on a road or like surface by laying a strip of rubber or rubber-like substance with an upper surface to form the desired marking in the material of the said surface and anchoring suchV strip by `embedding a plurality of dependent portions formed integral therewith in surrounding material ofthe road or like surface.

A further object of the invention isto provide a strip of rubber or rubber-like substance for theipurpose of surfacing or marking a road or like surface which comprises a cap portion whose upper surface forms the desired marking and dependent locking portions integral with said cap portionfor embedding in the material of the road or like surface.

Yet,a furtherobject of the invention is to provide an improvedv and easily visible device of rubber `or like resilient substance suitable for o marking the kerb or boundary of .a road or like surface and which is securely anchored in position by embedding dependent portions thereof in the material of the associated surfaces on either side of the said device.

40 A number of constructional embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. lis a perspective View of one form of marking'` device according to the present inven- 45 tion; y

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 when in position in a road or like surface;

l Fig. 3 is'across-sectional view similar to Fig. 2

showing a slightly modified formation;

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view, similar to Fig. 3, showing a further modified construction;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the construction shownin Fig.' 1, modified to form a stud-like D, marking element;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view, similar to Fig. 5, of a slightly modified form of stud-like element; Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line VII-VII of the embodiment shown in Fig. 6; i

Fig. 8 is a perspective View of a further form 5 of the invention, of particular application to a road surface having a deep top-surface layer, such as a wood-paved or cobbled surface or where the requirements of usage call for a deeply grouted unit;

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 8 when in position in a roadv or like surface;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a further modi-l fied form of the invention, of particular appli cation to the formation of kerbing for a road- Way;

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a schematic perspective view illustrating yet a further form of surfacing or marking device according to the present invention and showing the various steps involved in laying the device to form a marking line in an existing road or like surface;

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a modified form of the strip shown in Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention showing the-application thereof to a rubber-faced paving block;

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a slightly modified form of the block shown in Fig. 14;

while Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a modified form of kerbing construction.

Referring first to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2 it will be seen that the member which gives the desired marking line or other symbol consists of a strip Ill made of rubber or similar resilient rubber-like material. The strip I0 comprises a top cap-part II whose uppermost surface I2 is the one adapted to give the desired indication in the road or other surface and for this reason is given a distinctive colourV enabling 4 it to contrast with the colour of the surface in which it is laid. Extending downwardly from each lateral edge of the top cap-part II are side walls I3 which are provided at their lower ends with outwardly extending flanges I4. The outer edge of each of the fianges I4 may be provided with an upstanding rib I5 as shown while eachiiange may also be provided with a number of apertures IB which assist in anchoring the device in position in a manner hereinafter described.

The inner surfaces of the top cap-part I! and the side walls I3 define a recess I'I which 5 serves to receive a core I8 of comparatively cheap and preferably rigid material such as wood or a bituminous mixture or the like, for instance a composite mixture of bituminous ,compound and sawdust. The outer surfaces 'of each side wall I3 are preferably arranged as shown to present an undercut construction and are preferably grooved or ribbed in a longitudinal direction of the strip I0 as indicated at I9. The flanges I4 preferably taper in cross-section from `their junction with the side walls I3 to their free extremities as shown.

As indicated in Fig. 2, the strip' Ii)l is laid in position upon a prepared foundation 28 with the core I8 disposed within the recess I'I. 'Ihe top- 2Q dressing or carpet 2| of the road or like surface is then built up over the anges`l4 so as to lie 'substantially flush with the top surface I2 of the strip IIJ. The material ofthe carpet ZI (e. g. tar-macadam in the case of a road surface) enters into engagement with the undercut and preferably ribbed sidewalls I3 andthe flanges I4 so that the device is firmly anchored in position.

'Ihepresence of the ribs I^5 and the apertures I6 serve to increase the anchoring effect of the 30 carpet material 2| on the device. If necessary the carpet material adjacent the edges of the strip `may be consolidatedwith the aid of additional binding material such 'as 'bitumen compound or tar. It will be clear that instead of 5 laying the strip I0 and core I8 upon a separately prepared -foundation, achannel of suitable width and depth may be routed out of an existing nnished surface, the device laid therein and ythen anchoredby filling the remaining spaces of the 40 channel with a suitable surfacing material (such as tar-,macadam or a bituminous compound).

Fig. 3 shows` a slightly modified version of the construction of Figs. 1 and 2. In the perviously described vembodiment the `inner surfaces of the side walls I3 were flat and disposed at rightangles to the under-surface -of the top cap-part II I yso that the core I8 could assume a plain rectangular cross-section when properly fitted withb in the recess II. In the example shown in Fig. 3, however, the coherence between the 4strip IIJ and the core I8 is increased by making the inner surfaces of the wal-ls I3 convex as shown at 22 to enga'gewith correspondingly-shaped side faces 23 ofthe core so that the latter will be rmly -held in engagement with the strip whenl it is placed in position (e. g. by sliding-in lengthwise) in Ithe recess I1. Alternatively, the side Walls of the core 'I8 could'be convex and the'inner faces of the side walls I3 concave. In the embodiment shownin Fig. '3 the yribs I5 along the free edge of each of the anges I4 are omitted, the flanges tapering to a feather edge, but it will be clear that such ribs may be provided or alternatively they maybe omitted, in similar manner, from 6-5 the form shown "in Figs. 1 and 2. In other respects the two embodiments are substantially identical and similar reference numerals indicate like parts therein. In either case the flanges 'I4 may be ribbed longitudinally in similar manner 70 tojthat shown at I9 in Fig. 1.

The uppermost or marking surface I2 of-the strip I0 may be fiat but is preferablyslightly con- Vex k.as shown in orderto increase its visibility. If desired itmay be made even vmore conspicuous ,75 by `.increasing Ithe degree of `curvature as 'shown at 24 in Fig. 4. In this case the rigid core I8 is preferably replaced by core members 25 of yieldable material such as sponge rubber. 'I'he members 25 are formed as strips disposed adjacent each side wall I3 and forming between them a 5 cavity 26. Such a construction allows the strip IIJ to yield and be squeezed downwardly so as to bring the top surface 24 more or less ush with the surface of the adjacent carpet 2| when a load, such as a passing vehicle, is applied-thereto. 10 The strip I0 in each of the above described y embodiments is formed as a. one-piece or integral member of rubber or like material and While such member may be formed in any suitable manner known in the art of rubber goods manufacture it 15 is preferred that the member I0 be formed as a continuous strip by an extrusion method. In such case the apertures I 6 may be punched or cut-out either before or subsequent to curing of the extruded strip. 'Ihe formation of the mem- 20 ber vI il in strip-form allows of economical production since any ldesired length of marking vdevice within practical manufacturingV limits can be `cut-*offas required.

In the case where marking devices of very short 25 length are required, for instance to form studs as are frequently employed instead of continuous lines for traiiic marking purposes, the arrangement shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7 may be used. In this construction a short-length member I'Ua is 30 provided. Such member may be cut from a continuous strip I0 formed as Vpreviously described. This form is shown in Fig. 5. Alternatively such member may be formed individually, for instance by moulding, in which case it will preferably take the `form shown in Fig. 6 with its top surface I2a slightly convex in both longitudinal and transverse directions. The member IIJa is provided with a length of rubber-impregnated canvassheet or like material 2'I vulcanised or otherwise securely xed to the underside of the top cappart IIa thereof. The overhanging end pieces 28 of this sheet constitute anchoringmeans which are additional to the flanges I4, side walls I3 andl other associated features similar to the corre- 4 spondingly numbered -parts of Figs. 1 to 3. In the mounting Aof such a stud element, a suitable core IBa (FigA '7) is inserted within the recess I'Ia'deiined'by the side walls I3 and the ends 28 of the canvas-sheet are then turned outwardly so as to lie upon the prepared foundation 20 and thus to constitute additional anchoring flanges so that the stud 'is anchored on all four sides when the top-surfacing or carpet material V2I is built Vup 55 around the stud. In a further `alternative form of thearrangement shown in Fig. 6 the member Ita may be formed with outwardly projecting integral flanges I4 on all four sides.

Figs. 8 and 9 showa modified formof the con- 6o struction shown in Figs. Y1 and 2 particularly suitable for use where the top-surface layer of the road -or like surface is of considerable depth, such, for instance, as a road surface paved with wood-blocks or cobblestones or where the requirements of usage call "for a deeply rgrouted unit. In this embodiment 'the side Walls AI'3b of the member IIlb` are suitably extended, being preferably slightly undercut as shown and ribbed longitudinally while'the core |81)` is suitably increased 70 in dimensions to occupy the enlarged 'recess I'Ib.

In mounting such a form of marking -deviceit is placed as before upon thepr'epared foundation 20 (Fig. 9) and the blocks 29 constituting'th'e'topsurface are arranged to overlie the `Iiiang'es I4b, 75

`sides of the top-part 33.

the blocks being suitably recessed for this pur.- pose if necessary. One form of recessing is shown on the left-hand side of Fig. 9 and an alternative arrangement in which a positive interlock between the surface block and the ribbed flange of the strip is obtained, on the right-hand side of that figure. The various spaces between the blocks 29 and the member lb are filled with a suitable binding material such as a bituminous compound 3B. To increase the anchorage of the member lub, apertures I6b may be provided as before in the flanges |4b while perforations 3l may be formed in the side walls 13b for the receptionA of the said binding material in order to increase the security of fixing of the device.

The embodiment above described in connection with Figs. 8 and 9 is also applicable for mounting in an all-concrete road, the device being laid upon the hard-core foundation and the concrete road material being built up around it to the desired level in the usual manner.

Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate a modification of -the invention suitable for forming an easily visible kerbing for roadways, paths and other surfaces. In this construction a member 32 of rubber or similar rubber-like material has a top-part 33 whose uppermost surface 34 forms a horizontal marking surface and two integral dependent side walls 35, 33- disposed one on each of the lateral The side wall 35 is relatively short and is provided with an outwardly projecting ange 31 similar to the flanges I4 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. This side wall is preferably undercut as in the previous embodiment and is also grooved vor ribbed as at 38 throughout its depth. The other wall 36 is of greater depth than the wall 35 and is also provided with an outwardly projecting flange 31 at its lower end. The lower region of this wall is preferably grooved or ribbed at 39 in similar manner to the wall 36. Each of the flanges 31 may be pr-ovided with marginal ribs 40 and apertures 4I in similar manner to the arrangement shown in Figs. 1 and 2..

In the mounting of this embodiment a core 42 of rigid material such as timber is disposed within the channel-like recess formed between the side walls 35, 36 and top cap-part 33 and the assembly laid in place upon the foundation 43 of the road or like surface. The top dressing or carpet material 44 ofthe road or like surface is then built up over the flange 31 and against the side wall 36 so as to cover the ribbed or grooved part 39.

The foundation 45 of the part which is to form the raised pathway is built up on the opposite side of the core 42 to the level of the under-surface of the flange 31 of the side wall 35. Top-dressing 46 such as asphalt applied on top of the foundation 45 is built up over the flange 31 and against the side wall 35 tov anchor the member 32 on this side in similar manner to that effected on the roadway side.

In order to increase the Visibility at night of the kerbing thus formed suitable reflector devices such as the prismatic glass reflectors indicated at 41 may be mounted in the side wall 36 of the member 32. Such reflector members may be held in suitable apertures formed in the side wall or in an alternative construction they may be located wi-thin suitable recesses formed in the core and arranged to project through apertures in the side wall 3B. In order to protect such reflectors from the effect of impact with the wheels of passing vehicles they may be backed with a pad of sponge-rubber or the like or if desired the top edge of the wall 36 may be provided with an overhanging lip. In each of the embodiments above described a core member has been employed. This core mem-ber may, if desired, be made of sufficient depth to be partially embedded in the foundation material of the road in order to give increased resistance to movement. As already indicated in normal circumstances, with the exception of the arrangement of Fig. 4, such core isof rigid and preferably cheap material, for in stance it may be of creosoted timber, earthenware, concrete o-r bituminous composition. Alternatively, however, it may be made of the same material and integral with the rubber or rubberlike body whose upper surface forms the desired indication. In a further alternative construction the side wall parts and/or the anchoring flanges need not -be integral with the top cap or marking portion but may be secured thereto. For instance in the case of marking strips they may be formed as strips of canvas impregnated with rubber andl attached to the top cap-part in a suit--4 able way for instance by vulcanising in similar manner to the strips 21 of the stud-like elements of Figs. 5 and 6.

Fig. 12 illustrates a further and simplified form of the invention. This embodiment makes use of a strip-like member 50 of rubber or rubberlike substance consisting of a top cap-portion 5I the uppermost surface 52 of which is adapted to form the desired indicating surface. This top portion is provided with a number o f downwardly projecting integral tongues 53 and 54 which are shaped to lock with the material of or associated with the prepared surface whereby the entire member is secured in position. The tongues 54 are formed so as to have a progressively increasing width in a downward direction so that they assume a dovetail cross-section while the tongues 53 which are located adjacent the side edges of the strip are of half-dovetail crosssection, each having an outer wall substantially at right angles tothe top surface 52 and an inner wall which diverges inwardly as shown. The

cuter wall surfaces of the tongues 543 and the integral side edges of the top cap-part 5I are preferably grooved or ribbed as indicated at 55 for assisting in the anchoring of the member in.

similar manner to the other embodiments.

The mounting of this embodiment is conven iently effected as follows when it is to be placed in position in a road or like surface which is alp ready prepared. A channel 56 of a depth and width slightly greater than the corresponding dimensions of the strip 55 is routed out of the prepared surface 58. Into this channel is next introduced a quantity of settable binding material 51 such as 4a hot bituminous compound. The strip 5U is then placed in the channel on top of the binding material and worked in such manner that the latter enters the dovetail grooves formed .between the various tongues 53, 54. The final position of the strip 50 is such that the top surface 52 is either flush with or projects slightly above the adjacent road or like surface. A further quantity of the binding material 51 may then be introduced between each side edge of the strip 50 and the adjacent edge of the channel 56, the combined setting and adhesive qualities of the binding material acting in conjunction with the tongues 53, 54 and ribbed side surfaces 55 serving to anchor the strip firmly in position.

This last-mentioned form of the invention is particularly suitable for forming stud-like elements similar to those shown in Figs. 5 and 6. Such an element is constituted by simply cutting olf a suitable length from a strip of material of the form shown and is anchored in similar manner to that described in connection with Fig. 12. As in the case of the previous embodiments the strip 5B is preferably formed of rubber or like material by an extrusion method but it may be formed in other known and suitable ways. The form of the device shown in Fig. 12 is also applicable to the surfacing of roads and the like. The various strips necessary to cover the desired area may be anchored in place in the manner previously indicated by the use of a suitable binding agent or alternatively they may be set in cement or concrete in somewhat similar manner.

A slightly modified form of the embodiment shown in Fig. 12 is illustrated in Fig. 13. In this example the strip 50a which is of the same shape as the strip 5l) of Fig. '12 is provided on its lower surface and its two side edges with a layer 51h of bitumen. The bitumen layer is provided upon the strip .during manufacture and the process of laying merely involves the unwrapping of the prepared strip and its securing in desired position with the aid of a further small amount of hot bitumen which combines with the bitumen layer of ythe strip and engages the interstices of the surrounding surface material.

In order to increase the security of anchoring of each end of a strip or stud formed according to the arrangement of Figs. 12 or 13, plugs as shown at 54a (Fig. 12) may be inserted in the undercut grooves formed between the tongues 53, 54. These plugs are shaped according to the contour of the grooves and, if left partially projecting from each end of the strip, form additional lanchoring lugs to be embedded in the carpet or binding material subsequently applied around the strip. They also serve to prevent the escape of bituminous material trapped within the interior of the grooves vduring the laying process. Such plugs may also be used as joining two strip portions together in which case they serve to align and anchor the two parts.

The form of each ofthe embodiments already described is such that they may readily be distorted to accommodate themselves to a wide Variety of po-sitions for instance to the camber of a road, the curvature of a corner of a road and even to the curvature necessary to form various alphabetical letters for incorporation in a road surface in the form of a trac sign such as the word stop or slow.

Fig. 14 illustrates a further modified form of the invention. In this construction a. strip of rubber or rubber-like material is provided with a top cap-member 60 and a downwardly extending tongue Si for keying engagement with material of the road or like surface. This tongue is, for instance, adapted to t Within a shaped recess 62 in a ibase block 63 forming part of a road structure. The base block may be of suitable material such as iron, concrete or earthenware. The parts 6I and kE52 are arranged'to interlock with one another being shaped for example as shown with each part undercut. Preferably the interlocking parts are so arranged that the block 63 may be fixed in place separately and the top cap 60 applied thereto afterwards. Such application may be made by laterally compressing the resilient top-part during insertion of the tongue 6I within the recess 62, whereupon the subsequent release will allow the tongue to expand and grip the recess to anchor the parts together. Such a construction permits the removal of the top-cap when worn and replacement by a new part of different thickness. Alternatively the top cap may be slid into position lengthwise. The upper or bearing .surface may be provided with grooves 64 for anti-slipping and drainage purposes.

The top surface of the cap-part 60 may be krounded Vor domed as shown at 65 in Fig. 15 and in another slightly modified form the bottom of the tongue 6l is arranged normally to be out of engagement with the bottom of the co-operating recess '52. In this construction the application of a load upon the top ysurface of the cap 6U first causes deformation of the cap until the bottom of the tongue contacts with the recess whereupon its resistance to further depression is increased.

The shape of the base block shown in Fig. 14 is suitable for a paving block where similar blocks are laid side by side. In the case Where the combined base block and rubber facing strip is to be inserted in a road or like surface to form an indication or marking the side faces of the block are preferably recessed as shown at 66 (Fig. 15) in order to allow proper keying of such blocks in position.

In order to improve the non-slipping properties of the rubber members -as described in connection with Figs. 14 and 15 the top cap-part may be made slightly smaller than the base block as shown in Fig. 15. In this way, when a number of similar blocks are laid side by side a small space'i will be left between each.

The rubber cap-part 6D in each of Figs. 14 and l5 is preferably formed as in the previous embodiments by extruding a continuous strip and cutting the latter into suitable lengths. Instead of tting the strip G into blocks it may be laid directly in the road surface being secured in place by being embedded in concrete, tar-macadam or the like.

Fig. 16 shows a modied form of kerbing similar in general features to the embodiments of Figs. 14 and 15. In this arrangement a core or base block 10 is partially embraced by a rubber layer 'Il the top surface 'I2 of which forms the horizontal surface of the kerb and the vertical face 13 the road facing side of the kerb. The member 'Il is provided adjacent each longitudinal edge with an inwardly facing locking tongue 14, preferably of undercut form as shown, which engage within correspondingly shaped recesses I in the core block lil. v'Io assist in the retention of the tongues 'M within the grooves 'I5 the rubber layer member 'H may be given such an initial form that the side walls carrying the tongues are inclined inwardly towards each other and so tend to maintainl the tongues in proper position.

When laid in position upon the road foundation 16 the lower edges of the layer member 1I, which'are ribbed as shown at 19, are overlapped or covered by the surfacing material Ti and 'i8 of the roadway and pathway respectively so that the ,tongues 'M are effectively held in proper position.

If desired, reflecting plates and like devices may be mounted in the side Wall 'I3 in similar manner to Ythat already described in connection with Figs. and 11.

In order to increase the visibility at night of the various marking elements previously described, the rubber .or rubber-like material from which they are constructed may have powdered pumice or ground glass incorporated therein.

We claimt 1. A marking stud for road and like surfaces comprising a portion cf required length cut from a strip of rubber having a cap-part with an upper surface for forming the required marking and dependent side walls along each longitudinal edge of said cap-part and outwardly projecting anges at the lower marginal edges of said side walls, a strip of rubberized fabric material of longer length than the cut-off length of the strip-portion secured to the underside of said cap-part and overhanging each end of said cut-off portion and a core of rigid material of dimensions to t beneath said cap-part.v

2. A marking device for road and like surfaces comprising a substantially rectangular core of rigid material and an elongated covering member of extruded resilient material of uniform composition such as rubber partially surrounding said core, said covering member comprising a top-cap part covering the upper surface of said core and having an upper surface adapted to form the required marking, two dependent side walls integral with said top-cap portion and extending downwardly from opposite lateral side edges of the latter to cover opposite side surfaces o'f the core, and outwardly directed flanges integral with the lower extremities of each of said side walls each of said iianges being provided with a raised rib along its free edge.

3. A marking device for road and like surfaces comprising a rigid core and also an elongated covering member of extruded rubber of uniform composition partially surrounding said core, said covering member comprising a topcap part covering an upwardly facing surface of said core, two dependent side walls integral with said top-cap part and extending downwardly on opposite sides of said core and means integral with the lower extremities of each of said side walls for locking them in position upon said core and in the surrounding surface.

4. A marking device for road and like surfaces comprising an elongated one-piece strip-like extruded body of material of uniform composition such as rubber having a top-cap part, dependent side walls integral with said top-cap portion and extending downwardly from each lateral side edge of the top-cap part, and means upon each of said side walls for anchoring their lower extremities within the material of the surface on both sides of the device.

5. A marking device for road and like surfaces comprising in combination a substantially rectangular core of rigid material and an elongated covering member` of extruded material of uniform composition such as rubber partially7 Vsurrounding said core, said covering member comprising a top-cap part covering the top surface of said core, a side wall integral with said top-cap part covering substantially the whole depth of one side surface of said core, a second side wall integral with the top-cap part and of less depth than the first-mentioned side wall and covering only a part of the total depth f the opposite side surface of said core and outwardly directed flanges at the lower extremities of each of said side Walls for embedding in the material of the surface on either side of the device.

6. A marking device for road and like surfaces as claimed in claim comprising reecting devices embedded in the first-mentioned side.

ERNEST LEWIS GETHIN. GEORGE DOUGLAS WORTHINGTON. 

